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Idioms & Expressions
Barking up the wrong tree
When someone is looking in the wrong place or blaming wrong person
Literal Meaning
Barking → Making a sharp sound; tree → A tall plant with a trunk.
Actual Meaning
Pursuing a mistaken approach or having wrong idea about something
Examples in Context

Detective: 'If you think John did it, you're barking up the wrong tree.'

Helpful Tips
  • 1Indicates misdirected effort
  • 2Hunting dog metaphor
  • 3Helpful correction
Phrase Thesaurus
Similar words and synonyms for this phrase
misguided
mistaken
off track
wrong assumption
false impression
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